To some, the term “stalking” conjures an image of someone crouched in the shrubbery of an unsuspecting victim’s home or engaged in a Cape Fear-like pursuit. In reality, the typical individual charged with stalking in Indiana falls victim to some sort of misunderstanding that has, unfortunately, become a legal matter.
While your alleged conduct was likely not as serious as it has been portrayed, the consequences of a criminal stalking conviction in Indiana are undoubtedly serious.
What Qualifies as Criminal Stalking in Indiana?
Indiana Code § 35-45-10-1 defines the term “stalking” as “a knowing or an intentional course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened…”
While there is certainly a need to protect Indianans from harassment, this definition of stalking leaves plenty of room for subjectivity. What makes one “feel” intimidated, threatened, or frightened can vary drastically from person to person, giving prosecutors broad discretion to charge someone with criminal stalking in Indiana.
Criminal Penalties for a Stalking Charge in Indiana
Indiana Code § 35-45-10-5 notes that, depending on the specific circumstances of your case, criminal stalking can be:
- A Level 6 Felony: You may face between six months and 2.5 years in prison if convicted of a Level 6 Felony, plus fines and other penalties.
- A Level 5 Felony: A corresponding sentence may include between 1 and 6 years in prison, fines, and other penalties.
- A Level 4 Felony: The most serious type of conviction for criminal stalking, a Level 4 Felony conviction exposes you to between 2 and 12 years in prison and other legal penalties.
As with any criminal conviction, the legal repercussions are only the formal consequence. Upon release from prison, you may face difficulty obtaining quality employment, housing, parental rights, and good quality of life. It is vital that you work to avoid these life-changing consequences, and we can help.
You’ve Been Charged with Criminal Stalking. Your Next Step Should Be to Call Razumich & Associates, P.C. Today for a Consultation
Criminal charges are often not what they appear to be. An allegation of criminal stalking is not a conviction, and you deserve a capable defense to clear your name. At the very least, we’ll work to reduce your charges and mitigate the potential sentence you face.
Call Razumich & Associates, P.C. today at 317-449-8661 to discuss your case, or contact us online.